The ECP specifically targets area-based deprivation, identified by the Pobal HP Deprivation Index, through a community development approach.
The programme aims to empower local communities to craft their own response to area-based poverty, social exclusion and the resulting consequences, with the support of the relevant Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
The new community engagement workers will be recruited for both areas to develop and facilitate relationships between community stakeholders, community groups and statutory agencies and structures.
Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien made the announcement this week and said: “I strongly believe that each community knows best what its issues are and what its solutions are. The ECP is designed to do exactly as it says – empower communities to design its own community development approach to tackling the issues facing it.
“It supports communities in creating and implementing specialised community work responses to local concerns and particularly in areas of specific disadvantage and the resulting social exclusion.”
He continued: “The Community Engagement Worker will provide leadership in the community, developing and facilitating relationships between the local community and other relevant stakeholders at both local and national level. In addition they will be responsible for ensuring that the core work of the ECP is informed by and driven by the communities.”
